Port Professional Manager

The PPM^® program is a comprehensive port and supply chain education curriculum that has certified over 150 professionals. These graduates are now contributing their enhanced knowledge and leadership skills to port and transportation communities across the Americas. Established in 1995, this educational and training initiative provides a port management certification in the Americas.

“This program is a cornerstone for any professional seeking to make a significant impact in the port industry, enhanced by the network of strong relationships they build in the process.“
Jorge Hernández, Business Development Director, Port Everglades

“Collaborating with peers from a diverse array of port operations was a great opportunity to think outside of my comfort zone and build a strong network of industry professionals.”
Jay Windsor, NIT Intermodal Operations Director, Virginia International Terminals

“The PPM program provided a chance for me to better understand the various responsibilities of personnel and departments that make the ports across our nation work. AAPA PPM program has made me a better coworker and teammate.”
Brandon Bergeron, Director of Engineering, Port of Beaumont

Candidates must meet eligibility requirements that include being a manager with more than five years of experience and a full-time professional in the port or supply chain industry.

The application period for the PPM Foxtrot Cohort is now OPEN and will close January 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. To apply, 

How To Apply

Applicants must follow the following steps to apply for the PPM Certification Program:

Step 1: Visit the PPM application page and complete the form.

Step 2: Submit up to three reference letters including a letter from either the Executive Director or Direct Supervisor at your port/organization, which must indicate their support of your application to the program. 

Step 3: Submit an up-to-date resume and current job description.  

Step 4: Provide a short essay (300-600 words) that describes what makes you uniquely qualified to participate in the PPM program, what benefits you are expecting, and what your contributions will be. 

Step 5: Check your budget and travel availability for attendance in the program. Applicants must pay a $90 application fee, and candidates accepted into the PPM program pay a $900.00 registration fee. All other expenses are paid per course/elective. Candidates will be required to attend two cornerstone training programs.

PPM Certification

PPM candidates have access to all AAPA education & training events, as well as curriculum offered by AAPA educational partners. Covering all aspects of the port and supply chain management profession, these interactions enable you to become a seasoned professional and valuable asset to your organization.

PPM candidates achieve an unparalleled understanding of port and supply chain disciplines by attending events focused on maritime core competencies, as well as the two cornerstone PPM Cohort biannual training courses, the Leadership Summit in May 2025 and Port and Terminal Operations Management Training in 2026. 

The annual cost for the PPM Certification ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the number and type of courses taken each year by the PPM candidate. The total cost to complete the program is approximately $10,000. Travel costs (e.g., airfare and ground transportation, meals, hotel accommodations and miscellaneous items) are additional expenses.

Each organization and individual have different competing priorities, so the PPM program has a flexible timeline in which candidates can finish in as soon as two years or as long as 4+ years. The PPM candidates typically attend two to three classes per year, participate in monthly cohort advisory sessions, become members on AAPA committees, gain access to port executives and managers throughout the country, and receive an unparalleled understanding of port operations, administration and management.

Candidates are required to complete training and acquire competencies in the following core focus areas:

The final requirement of the PPM certification is the successful completion of a final capstone of the candidate’s choosing. There are three options for completing the capstone:

• Author and present an industry white paper on a topic that advances port management or supply chain theory or practice.
• Assist on an industry-specific project, such as developing a toolkit, strategic plan, public relations campaign or economic analysis, and provide the relevant documentation.
• A “residency” of no less than one week at port(s) other than their own to gain experience and expertise in another port environment and bolster professional relationships and prepare an executive summary on the experience and lessons learned from the residency.

For more information about AAPA’s professional development programs, reach out to Julie Barelas at jbarelas@aapa-ports.org.